5 Cameras for 4K Resolution Video 

For digital films and computer graphics, 4k is a standard resolution. The standard set by DCI (Digital Cinema Initiative) for 4k film projection is 4096 x 2160. It will result into 8.8 megapixels with aspect ratio of approximately 17:9. 4k recording is also known as Ultra HD and all the formats having around 4000 pixels horizontally can be considered a 4k. Another resolution which is also considered 4k is 3840 x 2160 px i.e. 8.3 megapixels with an aspect ratio of 16:9.

Since with bigger screen sizes demand for videos with better resolution is increasing, so it can be assumed that 4k is here to stay. A video shot in 4k can also be stored in other formats such as 2k or HD. Five of the digital cameras which can be used for 4k video shooting with at least a frame per second rate of 24 are listed below:

1. Red Scarlet X

Red Scarlet X is a camera which can shoot video at 4k as well as still images at 5k resolution. The camera has an S35 CMOS sensor similar to Red Epic, 13.8 megapixels and can capture 4k at 30fps. It can also shoot the still images at 5k in bursts at 12fps speed. The shipping of Red Scarlet X to customers started in December 2011. The maximum image resolution is 5k (5120 x 2700 px)

It has also raw implementation using native 12/16 –bit Redcode raw. It has 2 mic-level/line level 3.5 mm mini jacks for audio inputs. Sensor of Red Scarlet X can be replaced with Red Scarlet Dragon in which the current Mysterium sensor of Red Scarlet will be changed to a Red Dragon Sensor of 19 megapixels. The camera body costs around US$ 7950.00 and weighs almost 2.3 kg.

2. Vision Research Phantom 65 Gold

Launched in April 2006, Phantom Gold was one of the earliest 4k camera. This camera can record videos at 4096 x 2304 (aspect ratio 16:9) at 150 fps and 4096 x 2440 at 141 fps. Also, it can record 1920 x 1080 (HDTV) at 320fps and 2048 x 1104 (2k, aspect ratio 1.85) at 313fps. This camera has a 65mm, 10 megapixels CMOS sensor. It provides maximum image resolution of 4096 x 2440 px and can go down to recording 16 x 8 px at 34,482 fps. With the maximum shutter speed of 1/500,000 seconds the camera also allows to change the frame rate (at lowest of 1fps) anywhere between 1fps and 1000fps at HD resolution.

With 14-bit RAW implementation, it comes with 8, 16 and 32 GB internal memory. Also using solid state Phantom CineMags drives memory can be increased up to 128, 256 or 512 GB. This camera weighs around 5.5 kg and is portable. Hence the production of this camera is on-demand basis; the price can be variable at anywhere around US$ 50,000.00.

3. Canon EOS C500

Canon EOS C500 which started to ship in October, 2012 is another of the 4k cameras with something to offer. It can record videos at 4096 x 2160 px at 60 fps. It has Super 35, 8.85 megapixels CMOS sensor. With a progressive scanning system this camera has a Digic DV III image processor. Laced with manual exposure modes and focus modes the raw implementation is 10-bit log raw via dual 3G SDI. ISO value of this camera ranges between 320 and 20,000 and has 50Mbps of maximum bit rate while recording. Camera is available with two memory slots for CF cards. Still images get saved in SD card.

Canon EOS C500 weighs around 1.8 kg and costs US$ 25,999.00. it is not available with any lens included but supports both PL or EF mounts. Camera also supports two balanced 3-pin XLR inputs.

4. FT-One from FOR-A

This camera is miles ahead from all other cameras on this list and can be used for ultra-slow motion shoots. It shoots 4k (4096 x 2160) at a whooping 900fps. It can also shoot the same resolution at 60fps. It has a customized FT1-CMOS sensor which is identical to an S35 sensor in size but is more sensitive. This camera covers the dynamic range of 11-stops and has an ISO value of 640. Maximum shutter speed for 1 frame is 1/900,000 seconds and supports only a PL mount lens.

The maximum memory capacity of the camera is of 2 SSD cartridges of 2TB each. Shipped first time in September, 2012 this camera is for special purpose usage. The raw implementation of this beast is of 10-bit raw DPX. It weighs around 8.5 kg and costs US$ 135,000.

5. Sony PMW F65

Sony PMW F65 is another high end 4k camera. It started to be shipped to the customers in January, 2012. It has a S35, 20MP CMOS sensor and the camera boasts of highest resolution among all 4K cameras. It can shoot 4K (4096 x 2160) at 120fps. It gives a dynamic range of 14 stops and ISO ranges between 800 -3200 with very low level of noise present at high ISO settings. It also offers the 8K (7680 x 4320 and above) recording. The camera offers the support to only PL lens mounts. Storage is done using SR memory cards which achieve 440 and 880 Mbps speed.

Raw implementation for this camera is 16-bit linear raw and compressed recording options of 12-bit SR codec (220 Mbps – 880 Mbps). The camera also comes equipped with four ND filters with rotary shutter button. It weighs around 5.2 kg and the price of this camera is US$ 85,000.

Other than these, you can also check out the JVC GY-HMQ10 which is priced at US$ 4995.00 and gives a speed of 60fps at 4k resolution. Another camera Blackmagic Design Production Camera which shoots at 24 – 30 fps at 4k is priced around US$ 4000.00. If you just want a camera to check 4k videos, try GoPro Hero 3 Black Edition which is priced at US$ 399.99 and gives a frame speed of 16fps for 4K. Red has another series of other 4K cameras named as Red Epic.